Vellore Fort

Vellore Fort is a massive granite complex in Vellore district, India, that stretches about three kilometers around. Thick defensive walls surround the entire site, and a wide moat separates it from the surrounding ground.

Bommu Nayakar had the site built between 1526 and 1595 to protect the region. In 1806 the place saw the first armed uprising of Indian soldiers against British colonial rule.

The name comes from the Tamil word for lance-bearers who once served in the region. Today pilgrims visit the Jalakanteswara Temple daily inside the courtyard, where worshippers perform rituals before carved towers and pillars.

The site sits opposite the old bus station in Vellore, so visitors can reach it easily by public transport. The nearest international airport is 135 kilometers away in Chennai, from where long-distance buses or hired cars offer onward travel.

The site served as a detention place for the family of ruler Tipu Sultan after his death. Later it also held Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last king of Sri Lanka, who ended his life far from home.

Location: Vellore district

GPS coordinates: 12.92083,79.12833

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:15